Submission Guidelines

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WRITING FOR US

Stormwater is the premier journal for surface water quality and stormwater management professionals. It is the only publication dealing exclusively with water-quality issues, protection, projects, and programs.

Our audience is composed of planning, engineering, construction, development, operations, and regulatory professionals employed by federal, state, and local governments; engineering firms; and watershed protection agencies. As the audience is made up entirely of working professionals in the field, you should assume a high level of expertise and familiarity with your subject matter.

The prevailing perspective and the bulk of interviews, ascriptions, and quotes should belong to direct participants in stormwater management activities.

The prevailing perspective and the bulk of interviews, ascriptions, and quotes should belong to direct participants in erosion or sediment control activities. If you find yourself writing about nonparticipants, take another look at the assignment and see if you're headed in the right direction

GENERAL GUIDELINES

Think like your audience. Put yourself in a stormwater professional's boots. What makes this subject important enough that you would take time out from your busy schedule to stop and read the article? Where's the hook? How best to bait it, cast it, troll it, and sink it? When you've satisfied yourself on those scores, you're ready to write.

Engage your reader. Leave no doubt in anyone's mind who you are writing to and why it is important. Rivet your full attention on your readers and drag them into the middle of your subject, address them directly and personally.

Don't shy away from technical aspects of your subject. Make your readers "reach," but never "write down" to them. Aim high in your expectations of the reader's knowledge and expertise. Also assume that your readers appreciate sound use of language or grammar. If the article is too simple or basic, we can't use it.

Identify yourself as a writer on assignment for Stormwater and conduct yourself and the interview in an open, friendly manner. Think about the article's appearance as you conduct your interviews. How might graphics underscore an important point? What may entice a browser to take the plunge? Gather as much graphic material as possible (photos, charts, illustrations, etc.). The more options our art director has, the better.

As far as rules are concerned, follow the latest Chicago Manual of Style. We have a set of conventions of our own, however, we'll apply them as appropriate leaving you to concentrate on more important matters.